CUNY Sets First Round of Dance Initiative Residencies

The City University of New York has awarded 20 dance companies/choreographers residencies as part of the 2014 CUNY Dance Initiative (CDI).

The CUNY Dance Initiative is a new residency program providing rehearsal and performance space to New York City choreographers and dance companies. CDI was developed in response to the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation's 2010 report "We Make Do," which cited the critical need for affordable dance rehearsal space in New York City, and mentioned available performing arts centers and other spaces on CUNY campuses. A successful pilot project in 2013 supporting choreographic residencies and performances on four CUNY campuses prompted CDI to expand its scope.

In CDI's 2014 season, 11 CUNY colleges in all five boroughs will host a total of 20 residencies. The residency projects, which represent a diversity of ideas, approaches, and styles, will take place between July and December 2014. In addition to providing space for artists to create work and rehearse, all of the CDI projects include programs for students ? master classes, open rehearsals, etc.? and in most cases, public events such as lecture-demonstrations and performances. Complete information about the 2014 residency projects is attached.